The brainchild of Dutch entrepreneur Bas Landorp, the project will use existing technology and be funded through sponsors and private investors. Mars One says primary funding will come from a "global media event" that will feature the astronauts and their preparation.

At first, the home base would be limited to provisions, oxygen and water, but would expand to everything the settlers might need, including solar panels.

If accepted and the mission takes flight, the 24 candidates will spend the rest of their lives settling a colony on the red planet.